The Super Middleweight division has a major problem on its hands.
Caleb Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) not only defeated former champion Jose Uzcategui (28-3, 23 KOs), but he flat out dominated him for his IBF Super Middleweight belt.
Uzcategui looked like the real deal. His punching power and relentless pressure were viewed as problematic to everyone in the division. His matchup with Plant is one that many believed he would win.
Plant, after all, had never faced anyone in the same league as Uzcategui. The overwhelming thought was that Plant would box well early, but like the others he would eventually fall to the former champions pressure.
The fight played out in a much different way. Plant not only boxed circles around his man, but he also showed that he has power of his own in dropping his opponent twice. He also showed that he does in fact have a chin as he was able to withstand Uzcategui’s power.
In short, Plant looked sensational. It was the best performance of his career, but now we have to place it in the rearview mirror and look ahead.
Let’s take a look at who can possibly be next for the new IBF Super Middleweight champion, Caleb Plant.
George Groves
The former WBA Super Middleweight champion George Groves (28-4, 20 KOs) is chomping at the bit to to get another shot at a title. He performed incredibly well in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS).
He easily knocked out the previously undefeated Jamie Cox in his opening bout of the tournament. Groves then went on to outbox Chris Eubank Jr. in the semi-final.
In the final however he lost via seventh-round knockout to Callum Smith. That loss shouldn’t be held against him too much. His resume is littered with great names and he has consistently shown that he can compete with anyone.
Despite his loss he is still one of the very best in the division. A matchup with Caleb Plant would be a great one. It gives Groves a chance to claim another world title, while Plant will have a chance to add another big name scalp to his resume.
Jürgen Brähmer
The 40-year-old Jürgen Brähmer (50-3, 36 KOs) deserves a shot at gold. Don’t let his age fool you as he has proven time-and-time again that he has plenty left in the tank.
In 2016 he was winning his contest against Nathan Cleverly, but was forced to retire on his stool due to a dislocated elbow, losing his title in the process. One year later he entered the WBSS and wasn’t much more than an afterthought.
In his first bout he defeated the then undefeated Rob Brant. During the bout he easily outboxed his younger opponent all night long. By the way, Rob Brant is now the WBA regular Middleweight champion, which just goes to show you how talented he is.
Brähmer had a date with Callum Smith set for his next fight, but had to withdraw due to illness. In December he managed to jump back into the ring and stopped Pablo Daniel Zamora Nievas.
Brähmer may seem long in the tooth, but he still possesses the skill to trouble anyone. His style could cause Plant major problems. A shot at a title is something he deserves. Whoever wins this contest will continue to raise eyebrows in the division.
Callum Smith
It’s hard to argue that Callum Smith (25-0, 18 KOs) is the best Super Middleweight in the world. He did after all look extremely impressive in winning the WBSS.
What Smith needs now is a unification bout under his belt. The newly minted IBF champion Caleb Plant can provide him with just that.
Their styles seem perfect for each other as they are both very good boxers, but they also have plenty of power as well. If this matchup does happen next than the fans will be in for a treat.
Don’t see who you want Caleb Plant to fight next on this list? Leave a comment below on who you want to see him fight next.
